BEACONS will be lit to mark a major change in local government.

With the abolition of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, a new town council is being set up in Weymouth, and Portland Town Council is going forward with new responsibilities. The new Dorset Council is also being created.

The beacon at Portland Heights (Beacon Hill) will be lit at 7pm on Monday, April 1, at the same time as one is lit at the Nothe Fort in Weymouth in what will be a poignant farewell to the two areas' borough council partnership.

Portland Town councillor Rod Wild said: "To celebrate regaining some of Portland's independence that we lost in 1974, and the creation of the new Dorset Council, Portland Town Council will be lighting the beacon on the newly named Beacon Hill on Monday, April 1.

"Refreshments will be available in the form of 'W.Exit Burgers' which will be served up in the Portland colours of cream, green and blue to match the Portland flag.

"At the same time as Portland lights its beacon, there will be one lit at the Nothe to celebrate the formation of the new Weymouth Town Council, which should be seen from Beacon Hill on the island.

"We are celebrating the divorce from Weymouth."

Portland Town Crier Stuart Cave will be giving a cry to commemorate the occasion in Easton Gardens at 3.45pm on Monday. He will be accompanied by Mayor Charlie Flack.